A Must Read for All Historical Mystery Fans - an Editorial Review of "Murder Under a Cold Moon"

Book Blurb:

“The ending will shock you and leave you with valuable lessons about family, charity, greed, and the consequences of past mistakes. This is a great story and a must-have for all historical mystery fans.” –Readers’ Favorite

"Fans of historical mysteries will gobble this up!" --Kings River Life Magazine

Mona Moon and her new husband, Robert Farley, Duke of Brynelleth are on their honeymoon at last. They are invited to a weekend party by an old friend of Robert’s family—Lady Eustacia. Mona and Robert arrive in a substantial downpour to find several other couples awaiting the appearance of their hostess. When Lady Eustacia fails to come downstairs, Mona and Robert search the manor house only to find the lady missing. It is then they discover the telephone wires have been cut and none of the cars are able to drive into town due to the storm. Mona and Robert believe the invitation was a ruse, but for what purpose? And how do they help Lady Eustacia?

Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/n08e4

Author Bio:

Award-winning author Abigail Keam writes the Mona Moon Mystery Series—a rags-to-riches 1930s mystery series which includes real people and events into the story line. The series is about a cartographer who is broke and counting her pennies when there is a knock at her door. A lawyer, representing her deceased uncle, announces Mona has inherited her uncle’s fortune and a horse farm in the Bluegrass. Mona can’t believe it. She is now one of the richest women in the country and in the middle of the Great Depression!

She also writes the Josiah Reynolds Mystery Series about a Southern beekeeper turned amateur female sleuth. The Last Chance For Love Series tells of strangers who come from all walks of life to the magical Last Chance Motel in Key Largo and get a second chance at rebuilding their lives, and The Princess Maura Fantasy Series.

One thing Miss Abigail loves to do as an author is to write real people and events into her stories. “I am a student of history and love to insert historical information into my mysteries. My goal is to entertain my readers, but if they learn a little something along the way—well, then we are both happy. I certainly learn a lot from my research, and I hope my readers come away with a new appreciation of beekeeping from my Josiah Reynolds Mysteries.”

Editorial Review:

Mona Moon sat at her vanity table putting on her face, when her husband, Robert Farley, Duke of Brynelleth, ambled in with several letters.

Mona swiveled around in her seat, holding a white powder puff. “Good morning,” she greeted, brightly.

Robert bent over and kissed his wife on the cheek.

“Is that the best you can do, Lord Bob?” Mona teased.

“I thought after last night you might need a rest.”

“Never,” Mona said, pulling on Robert’s tie. She pulled his head down and gave Robert a lingering kiss on the lips. “And last night was wonderful.”

The most recent book in Abigail Keam's Mona Moon Mystery series, Murder Under a Cold Moon, is an incredible addition to the series. This book is perfect for you if you enjoy historical cozy mysteries that are full of humor, suspense, and a hint of romance. With its 1930s setting and Keam's trademark clever storytelling and meticulous historical research, it has the feel of a classic whodunit. Whether you're a longtime fan of Mona Moon or just jumping into the series, this one is a total page-turner.

Right from the start, Keam hooks you in. You are immediately drawn into Mona's world by the first lines, which set the tone flawlessly. The plot picks up speed quickly, and before you realize it, you're engrossed in a mystery that keeps you wondering.

Mona and her new husband, Robert Farley, Duke of Brynelleth, are finally on their honeymoon - something they’ve been looking forward to. But of course, things don’t go as planned. They get an invite from an old friend of Robert’s family, Lady Eustacia, for a weekend getaway.

Sounds nice, right? Wrong.

The moment they arrive, things start feeling off. A massive storm traps them in the house, their hostess is nowhere to be found, and to top it all off, the phone lines are cut. Classic locked-room mystery vibes! Mona and Robert quickly realize they’ve walked into something much darker than they expected.

Mr. Peregrine winked at Mona. “That’s what is so infuriating about the situation. No one ever reads these fabulous books. Lady Eustacia’s family has always had many admirable attributes, but curiosity and intellect are not among them. Lady Eustacia has admitted to me on more than one occasion that she thought her family was very bourgeois—more like shopkeepers and not brave knights or gatherers of knowledge.”

Mona was astounded Mr. Peregrine would confide such thoughts to her—a stranger. She doubted she would tell any secrets to such a vicar. However, here was a chance to learn. “Do you know about the construction of Blackhaven Hall? I noticed the first floor was built before hallways were used in construction.”

“We are sitting in the main trunk of the manor. There are east and west wings that are not used anymore. They contain the ballroom, conservatory, and extra bedrooms.”

“Why were they closed?”

This novel has perfect pacing, working its way through the mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat. You start to doubt everything when Keam gives you another twist just when you think you have everything all out. It nearly feels like something from an Agatha Christie book because of the gothic tension in the air and the grandeur of the mansion setting.

In terms of formatting and editing, the book is quite well done. It's easy and fun to read because the language flows naturally. From the conversation to the societal mores, Keam has obviously done her research on the 1930s, which gives each scene a realistic sense.

Now let's talk about Mona. A wonderful jewel of a protagonist, she is courageous, intelligent, and ahead of her time. She doesn't just sit back and let the males do the research; instead, she takes the initiative, questions everything, and never gives up. Her bond with Robert is another feature. It's intriguing to read about their relationship since, despite being a duke, he respects Mona's independence and intelligence.

Equally fascinating is the supporting cast. Keam does a great job of making you distrust every character at some point since they all have something to conceal. Every visitor, even the absent Lady Eustacia, contributes to the mystery's suspense.

“Attend to the man if you please, Mrs. Boffin,” Robert said.

“Yes, Your Grace.” Mrs. Boffin led the men carrying Mr. Zelly up the grand stone staircase.

Wilton Collier ran outside to look around. The footman, Fergus, ran after him with an umbrella. They both came back drenched, dripping water on the stone floor. “There’s no sign of a car. He must have walked a good distance. Did you see the mud on his shoes?”

“I wondered if he met with an accident or something else?” Mona asked.

“Violet, stay with Mr. Zelly until I come for you. Collier, Major Dewsbury and I need to change into some dry clothes before we catch our death by pneumonia. We will meet everyone in the library in one hour,” Robert ordered.

Violet followed Robert stomping up the stairs. Major Dewsbury climbed the stairs slowly after them while Mr. Peregrine returned to the library.

Everyone was down in their spirits, and Mona couldn’t blame them.

What was Lady Eustacia up to with all this mystery?

Why was she hiding in her room?

The book's ability to stand alone is one aspect of it that I truly value. You won't feel lost at all if you're new to Mona Moon, but if you've read the earlier novels in the series, you'll notice certain allusions to earlier events. Keam does a fantastic job of striking a balance between the ongoing plot and ensuring that each volume stands alone as a comprehensive and fulfilling read.

And the conclusion - wow. It comes to a startling but utterly rewarding end. While tying up all the loose ends, Keam leaves the audience wondering what will happen next in the series. In addition to resolving the mystery, the novel delves into issues of deceit, greed, and the fallout from previous decisions, which gives the narrative more complexity.

Murder Under a Cold Moon is an excellent book that skillfully combines mystery, historical charm, and humor. Keam writes with clarity, interest, and personality – and this is what truly brings the story to life!

This book is essential reading for anyone who likes historical fiction, cozy mysteries, or just a good detective tale.

Award:

5 stars from The Historical Fiction Company and the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence

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